Pressure Point Basics [Kyusho Jitsu]

Pressure Point Basics

Pressure Point Basics

Without a solid understanding of Pressure Point Basics it is almost impossible to be successful using them. This is a reason that the art of Kyusho Jitsu is often criticized. it is simply a LACK of understanding of how things actually work.

So today let's break this down a little!

Exactly what is a pressure points?

A pressure point is a place on the body where a nerve ends, branches off like a "Y" or crosses/overlaps with another. There are 350 plus pressure points on the body. But only a percentage of them are usable for self defense purposes. If you read this article it will explain the 5 Most Important Pressure Points.

Pressure Points of the Arm

You will also find pressure points around any joint in the body. The knees are one of the best examples.

How do they work?

To attack a pressure point you need to attack them a certain way. Each point has a correct angle and direction of attack. If you do it wrong, it just will not work very well. But this is not as daunting a task as it first may see to be.

The angle of attack is always 45 degrees. And if you seriously study self defense movement you will understand the power of angles! Here is a reference if you would like to know more about this topic.

The next thing you need to do is use what is called 2 Way Action. This assures activation of the pressure point and is therefore an important part of pressure point basics. Here is a detailed explanation of 2 Way Action for you.

But if you do not want to read that right now. Here is a short video on 2 Way action.

How big is a pressure points?

Area of Activation of a Pressure Point

As we continue with pressure point basics we will now look at the size of a pressure point. The size, for the purposes of acupuncture is that of the head of a pen. This is a very small area! But for our purposes in Kyusho Jitsu we are only concerned with activation area. That is the size of a loony (Canadian dollar) or a Silver Dollar in the USA.

Most of all imagine that there are 8 of those taped on a persons arm. This covers the most easily accessible pressure points. Are you going to tell me you cannot hit any of these? If so you need to train more!

Types of Pressure Points

There are 3 types of pressure points that also need to be learned! They fall into these 3 categories.

Touch Points - These are activated with a simply "touch." Please note this does not mean a "light touch." A press would be a better word to explain it!

Rub Points - This is a similar idea, however with a different type of action.

Strike Points - For self defense purposes these are usually the most focused up point pressure points.

Do pressure point basics sound complicated? They really are not as long as you fo step by step!

What is a Meridian?

12 Meridians of the Body

A meridian is an energy pathway that exists in the body where pressure points are found. This part of the discussion now goes to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. But for the purpose of pressure point basics I am only going to mention this. You can read more about acupuncture here. This link is to a Wikipedia article, which tend to be biased, but it gives you a basic idea.

There are a total of 12 different meridians on the human body, then these are reflected on each side. Therefore depending on how you want to look at them, you can say there are 24. Each meridian has a specific number of pressure points, and distinctly different characteristics. There are also 2 Vessels, Conception and Governor.

How does this all work?

This is where people who "try" pressure points get lost. They do not understand pressure point basics, and therefore fail when they try to use them. First we are dealing with NERVES. The human body is a mass of nerves, all with certain characteristics and purposes.

The pressure points of interest are of interest because of the function of the nerve they are associated with. Now you do not need to know every nerve on the body and what they do. That is not pressure point basics. But it comes in handy in advanced and master level study.

Re-stomp the Groin

We all know this saying! Master Ken and Ameri-Do-Te, Plus this is a favorite area of attack for many martial art and self defense systems.

But why does it work?

Is there something special about the testicles? No, there is a nerve bundle there! The testicles really don't hurt, the nerves report possible damage to the brain, in the form of terrible PAIN.

But.....

There is a very important pressure point there! Conception One. This is why a groin strike works on both male and female. But no, "pressure points don't work!" [sarcasm]

Testicles are MAGIC?

Sorry "Nay Sayers!" You do not know what you are talking about! But keep trolling! If it help you feel important.

Understanding Pressure Point Basics!

Pressure Point Basics

When you understand pressure point basics and build your skills upon them you get a result! You get a predictable result. This is why we call it the science of pressure point self defense.

Do you want to learn more?

Then I have 2 great options for you! One is our 30 Day Free Video Kyusho Jitsu Mini Course. Below is a link to learn more.

The second is our Novice Kyusho Jitsu Home Study Course. This is a FULL all inclusive Novice Course that will get you up to Black Belt level! You can read more below too!

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